Commissary General Manager in Vernon, California at Zankou Chicken

JOB DESCRIPTION – Commissary General Manager

Position

Commissary General Manager

Reports to

Chief Operations Officer

Department

Culinary

Classification

Exempt

Travel

Minimal within LA and Orange County

Date

April 8, 2026

Rate of Pay

$80,000 to $100,000, plus bonus opportunity up to $10,000/annually (based on their experience)

Who We Are

Zankou Chicken is a family-owned, fast-casual Mediterranean brand built on tradition, quality, and heart. What began as a small family restaurant has grown into one of Southern California’s most loved brands — and we’re just getting started.

Everything we do is guided by a clear vision:

Our Vision

To create the best fast-casual experience in Taste, Convenience, and Value — inspiring excellence worldwide.

That vision comes to life through our four pillars:

1. Perfect Product
2. Fast
3. Amazing Atmosphere
4. 5-Star Hospitality

We’re building a brand that delivers on these pillars every day, in every restaurant, and in every guest interaction. Our Commissary General Manager plays a key role in bringing the Zankou brand to life across our stores by creating a perfect, high quality and fresh product for our guests.

Position Summary

The Commissary General Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of our central kitchen operations in Vernon. This role oversees food production, product ordering, food safety, sanitation, and team leadership to ensure consistent, high-quality execution across the business.

In addition to supporting store operations, the commissary produces food for direct guest channels including to-go orders, app orders, catering, and third-party delivery. This leader is accountable for building a strong, people-first culture while driving operational excellence and efficiency.

Location, Schedule and Bilingual Requirement

• Location: Zankou Chicken’s Commissary and Support Center in Vernon, CA
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Must be bilingual in both English and Spanish
• This is an exempt role and requires flexibility and availability outside of scheduled hours based on business needs

What You’ll Do

Lead Commissary Operations

• Oversee all daily food production to support store needs and direct-to-consumer channels
• Ensure consistency, quality, and accuracy across all products
• Manage production schedules to meet demand while minimizing waste

Product Ordering & Inventory

• Oversee all product ordering, receiving, and inventory management
• Maintain proper stock levels to support production and sales channels
• Manage food cost and reduce waste through effective planning and controls

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Uphold the highest standards in food safety, cleanliness, and organization
• Ensure full compliance with all health department and regulatory requirements
• Lead by example in maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, coach, and develop the entire commissary team
• Create a respectful, accountable, and people-first culture
• Ensure proper staffing levels and team engagement

Business Operations

• Oversee commissary support for catering, app orders, to-go service, and third-party delivery
• Partner with store operations to ensure seamless execution
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, efficiency, and overall performance

What We’re Looking For

Experience

• 5+ years of leadership experience in restaurant, commissary, or food production environments
• Experience in high-volume operations required
• Strong background in food production and inventory management

Leadership

• Proven ability to lead and develop teams in fast-paced environments
• Strong communicator who builds accountability and trust
• Hands-on leader who leads by example

Operational Strength

• Highly organized with strong planning and execution skills
• Experience managing food cost, labor, and operational efficiency
• Solutions-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset

Food Safety & Quality

• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards, certifications in food handling and safety
• Commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality food

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $80,000 – $100,000 annually
• Bonus: Up to $10,000 annually based on performance
• Full benefits package including health benefits and paid time off

Why This Role Matters

Our commissary is the foundation of our operation. This role ensures every store and every guest receives the quality, consistency, and experience that define Zankou. This leader plays a critical role in supporting our growth while building a strong, respectful, and people-first culture.

Why Join Zankou?

• Be part of a brand with deep roots and massive growth potential
• Work alongside a collaborative and passionate leadership team
• Opportunity to grow your marketing career in the restaurant / hospitality industry
• Competitive hourly pay and outstanding benefits, that include 95% employer paid medical insurance coverage
• Free delicious and healthy meals during every shift
• Opportunity to build something lasting and impactful

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The team member may lift and/or move items up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the team member for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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